Free Agency

Officially the NFL free agency period begins Tuesday at 4pm. That does not mean we cannot look ahead.

I already wrote about Ndamukong Suh here. Suh clearly was the biggest target of this offseason not just for the Dolphins but for free agency overall. It has been widely reported that he will sign with Miami.

So what is next?

These are my targets, not necessarily the Miami Dolphins targets. No inside information. Simply thoughts on what would work for me.

Dan Williams, DT: Yes apparently Ndamukong Suh is coming. Why would you need another defensive lineman? Because you still need a nose. At 6’2 and 327lbs Williams can eat up space, allowing the linebackers to make plays in the running game. A.J. Francis may be able to man this spot but an extra body is always welcome.

Mason Foster, ILB: Speaking of linebackers. Foster could help shore up the middle linebacker position freeing Koa Misi to move back outside where he belongs. Anyone who follows me knows I am very high on Erik Kendricks from UCLA in the draft so this would be a luxury signing.

Clint Boling, G: The 25-yr old former Cincinnati Bengals would go a long way to shore up the guard position which has been an albatross for years. Signing Boling would set four of the five starting positions across the offensive line, no reason not to take a shot.

Andre Johnson, WR: The 33-yr old receiver is going to be a popular target. Would he come home to Miami(he played for the U in college) or is he looking for a more sure shot at the playoffs? His presence would be invaluable for the young receivers in Miami and he should easily fill the number one position for at least a couple of years.

Andre Holmes, WR: At 6’4 and 210lbs Holmes would give the Dolphins some much-needed size at the wide receiver position. He is a restricted free agent so the Oakland Raiders can match any offer but there is no draft pick compensation to worry about. This would be one of the smaller signings that end up looking big when the games actually matter.

There are many other moves that could be made in the coming weeks. There is no crystal ball. Should be a fun time.

This is the last in my series looking at the position groups as we enter into preseason.

The secondary went through several changes in the offseason. Gone from the team are safety Chris Clemons along with cornerbacks Dimitri Patterson and Nolan Carroll. Taking their place are veterans Louis Delmas at safety and Cortland Finnegan at corner. There is no doubt about the talent of Delmas and Finnegan, rather can the players stay healthy.

Rather than go player by player this time I chose to look at what we know and what we don’t.

What we know:

Not a lot. We know Brent Grimes will excel at one corner position. He is one of the best in the game right now. Reshad Jones will miss the first four weeks of the season due to a suspension forcing the team to improvise at the safety position. Louis Delmas should be a solid ball hawking safety on the other side, question is will he make more plays that he gives up as the last line of defense.

What we do not know:

Will Cortland Finnegan regain his former pro bowl form, he has looked good so far in training camp so that is a plus. Who is the third corner? Last years draft picks Will Davis and Jamar Taylor look to have the first shot at the job. Jimmy Wilson seems likely to take Jones’ spot at safety, what happens when Jones is back from suspension?

Michael Thomas brings energy and enthusiasm to the secondary, will he find a home here in Miami? I believe he can be a star if given the chance. Either at safety or corner just get the man on the field.

Draft pick Walk Aikens looks promising, but I see a safety more than a corner in him.

When I look at our secondary there is a lot to like, but so many questions. The talent is there. Just put it together.

Jeff Ireland is on the clock. The Miami Dolphins general manager enters this offseason with a target on his back. It is sink or swim time for Ireland. Either make the moves to give Miami a winning season or he is sunk, he is likely negotiating for his career.

It all started Tuesday at 4pm.

The Dolphins hit the water like Michael Phelps. Signing wide receiver Mike Wallace to a contract for $60 million over five years, later in the afternoon they added linebackers Dannell Ellerbe and Philip Wheeler.

Bold moves and they are just getting started.

There are still moves to be made, holes to be filled. Miami still needs help on the offensive line, tight end and at cornerback. They have the ammunition to make these moves. Even after the moves on Tuesday they have some salary cap room to sign a couple more free agents and after that there is the draft. The Dolphins have nine picks in the draft including five in the first 82 picks.

This offseason has the chance to be a game changer, but that doesn’t matter. All that matters is what happens in the regular season. Winning the offseason is nice; winning when it counts is what matters. They finished 7-9 last season, that will not do this season.

Two wins. It is that simple, two wins. That is what Jeff Ireland needs. Get those wins and he may keep his job, without them he is sunk.